Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in lactating calves from cattle ranches in the temperate zone of Central Veracruz, Mexico

Objective: Determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp in a population of suckling calves from one to 60 days of age. Methodology: Cross-sectional epidemiological convenience study in cattle ranches located in five municipalities in the temperate zone of Veracruz, Mexico. The sample size was ≤500 animals (Win Episcope 2.0), as 100 per municipality. A stool sample was taken directly from the rectum with a latex glove and transported refrigerated (4°C) to the laboratory for analysis. The samples were analyzed using the Faust centrifugation method and the Ziehl-Neelsen technique. Descriptive statistics were performed in STATA® 14.0 with a confidence level of 95%. Results: All municipalities presented Cryptosporidium spp., finding a general prevalence of 62.6% with a range of 49% to 83% according to the municipality. According to sex, a prevalence of 78.4% (95%CI 69.9 - 85.0) of Cryptosporidium was found in males. Regarding age, the highest prevalence of Cryptosporidium was found in calves 1-15 days old with 75.6% (95%CI 69.8 - 80.7). The highest prevalence was found in liquid feces with 78.7% (95%CI 71.6 - 84.6); which proves that the main sign of Cryptosporidium spp in calves is the presence of diarrhea, sometimes fetid. Limitations on study: The study did not focus on other pathogens that can cause diarrhea in lactating calves. Conclusions: Cryptosporidium spp. is present in lactating cattle in the temperate zone of central Veracruz, Mexico. The highest prevalence was found in lactating cattle 1-15 days old, in males, and in those with liquid stool consistency.